The peace candidate

He sang part of the Star Spangled Banner. He said things like, "War is not inevitable. Peace is inevitable." He even wants to create a Department of Peace.

And he's running for President?

This past Saturday I walked down the street to Immanuel Presbyterian Church to see Ohio congressman Dennis Kucinich speak to a packed-to-the-rafters crowd. Kucinich is the kind of presidential candidate who will say this on the House floor:

"I support the troops. But, this war is illegal and wrong. I do not support this mission. I will not vote to fund this Administration’s war in Iraq.

"This war is not about defending the United States from a foreign threat in Iraq. This war is not about the U.S. trying to save or liberate the Iraqi people. This is not about an Iraqi nuclear threat. Iraq did not attack the United States. The United Nations (UN) did not approve this war as being necessary to protect international security. In addition, this Administration did not provide evidence for its claims that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD) prior to military conflict. And, several key pieces of evidence have been shown to be fraudulent.

"This war is killing our troops. This war is killing innocent Iraqi civilians. This war must end now. It was unjust when it started two weeks ago, and is still unjust today. The U.S. should get out now and try to save the lives of American troops and Iraqi citizens.

"Many members of the Republican Leadership have demonstrated how to vote against war funding and support our troops. On December 13, 1995, the House, under the control of Speaker Gingrich, considered HR 2770. This bill, a “prohibition of funds for deployment of Armed Forces in Bosnia,” was introduced by Rep. Bob Dornan (R-CA). Many leading Republicans, such as Tom DeLay, Dennis Hastert, Bill Thomas, Duncan Hunter and Henry Hyde, voted to cut-off funds for the military action while troops were deployed in Bosnia. In fact, 82% of Republicans voted to cut off the funds while troops were deployed in Bosnia.

"Ending the war now and resuming weapons inspections could salvage world opinion of the United States. The greatest threat to the United States at this time is terrorism, which this war will breed.

Boy, do I want this guy to win. I have a sad feeling, though, that Kucinich will end up being The Guy I Wish I Could Vote For.

I created a photo essay about Kucinich's speech at my blog.

Article Author: Brian Flemming

Visit Brian Flemming's author page — Brian Flemming's Blog